Originally Posted by
BThumme
I'm looking to go from the maldives to iceland on an award ticket next summer.
Ideally, MLE-DOH-HEL-KEF would be most preferred. Is that a valid routing? The system seems to always force a double connection through LHR and or KWI/BAH/(saudi arabia) onto LHR-KEF. That adds (I think?) about $300 USD to the cost. Going via HEL would waive that, but I don't see that as an option. Can AA agents piece that together at all, or is it not valid to begin with?
Alternatively, what would you guys do? MLE-DOH looks to be on the A350 or A320 this summer (I know it could change for next). I could position to Colombo to try and get on a 77W, but that also adds about $120 in taxes for sri lankan fees. Not sure what the best option to try and piece together would be. EY and AY don't fly AUH-HEL, so unless MLE-AUH-ARN/OSL/CPH-HEL-KEF is valid, I don't know if there's a way to get around the fuel surcharges other than just routing to europe and doing a one way iceland air ticket. I don't think that would offset the award ticket surcharges though.
For 42.5k miles, what's the best way to get the best in air expierence Maldives-Iceland (or northern Europe)?
QR's published fares between MLE-KEF look like they allow connections in HEL however require FI (Icelandair) between HEL-KEF However, if you find availability on all the segments I would for sure call AA and at least try to book it, see what it prices out as. I'd recommend putting MLE-DOH-HEL on hold at aa.com, then call AA and ask to add the HEL-KEF.
This is quite a unique award combination, oneworld and AA partner service to MLE and KEF is limited and piecing flights together will further limit your options. Personally I wouldn't get too caught up in trying to book the "best in air experience" but rather just grab whatever you can find that works around your dates.
Also keep in mind the BA surcharges are not
that bad starting in MLE. For example I see a MLE-AUH-LHR-KEF on EY/BA with ~$300 in taxes and fees which gets you all the way in business.